Nearly 170 years ago, the iconic Victorian gold rush led thousands of people to leave their homes and migrate to the gold fields in search of work. This mass migration meant the rise of the gorgeous place of Bendigo in the mid-19th century at the world’s richest goldfields. Since then, the city has undergone severe development, resulting in an endless list of things to do in Bendigo.
To begin with, Bendigo has a significant number of the Chinese community. Primarily, it was because of the mass migration that happened 170 years ago. This incident led to the city having gorgeous Chinese structures and festivals.
The primary example is the Golden Dragon Museum, which houses relics from 1600-1026 BCE. If one is visiting Bendigo during the annual Easter Festival, one can spot the cultural activities of the Chinese.
Besides the Chinese attractions, one can enjoy numerous things to do in Bendigo, which we will undercover in this article. Some include art galleries, beautiful lakes, parks, and appreciably more. Keep reading to learn about the various best things to do in Bendigo.
Things to Do in Bendigo
As the usual drill, one must plan their trip to avoid confusion and dilemma during the vacation. Thankfully, the best way to do so is by creating a list of things to do in Bendigo.
Quick Tip: The first things that come to mind when we read or hear the richest goldfields in Australia are Ballarat and Bendigo. Hence, if you desire to learn more about the Victorian gold rush history, consider seeing it from Ballarat's side.
With a list of things to do in Bendigo by your side, we guarantee you that this trip will be the best one you have ever had! Finally, look at our top 12 things to do in Bendigo for an amazing vacation.
Things to Do in Bendigo (1-6)
1. Visit the Gold Mine in the City Center
The Central Deborah Gold Mine opened in 1939, which heightened the position of Bendigo in the gold production market. This mine revived the gold industry in Australia by generating gold equivalent to almost a metric ton from 1939 to 1954.
When 1986 came, the government made visiting the mine one of the best things to do in Bendigo by widening the main shaft. Furthermore, numerous tours got added for the tourists yearning for some adventure.
Central Deborah Gold Mine revived the gold industry in Australia by generating gold equivalent to almost a metric ton from 1939 to 1954.
The most notable activity in the gold mine is the Nine Levels of Darkness tour. Thrillingly, the expedition takes you to 225 meters below the Earth where the original miners dug for gold! If you do not want to go that deep, the Underground Adventure should suffice at 85 meters.
The mine will take about three hours, making it one of the best and most fun things to do in Bendigo.
- Address: 76 Violet St, Bendigo VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Fun things to do: Go underground to witness the environment where the workers used to dig for gold in Central Deborah Gold Mine
- Entrance Fee: $35 for adults and $25 for children
- Hotels Nearby: Myers CBD
2. Feel Inspired at Bendigo Art Gallery
Boon to all art lovers, Bendigo Art Gallery is where one can find inspiration from Victoria’s gorgeous sculptures and art forms. Established in 1887, the art gallery has seen numerous extensions and can potentially undergo renovation. As earliest as 2001, Fender Katsalidis Architects beautified the gallery with arresting sculpture pieces.
The gallery’s art collections are of European and Australian descent and date from the 19th century to the 21st-century art forms. Unsurprisingly, one can find many photographs, beautiful sculptures, eye-relaxing paintings, and decorative arts here.
The most notable works in the Bendigo Art Gallery are from world-renowned people like Ernest Waterlow, Arthur Streeton, Charles Conder, and others.
Bendigo Art Gallery houses the work of people like Ernest Waterlow, Charles Conder, Arthur Streeton, and many others.
Finally, the gallery organizes various shows loved by tourists. Most of them are concerned with the cultural icons and relics lent by the British Museum. Hence, all these activities justify Bendigo Art Gallery to be on your list of free things to do in Bendigo.
- Address: 42 View St, Bendigo VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Admire the beautiful art from various world-renowned luminaries at the gallery
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Allawah Bendigo
3. Take Your Kids to Lake Weerona
To everyone’s surprise, Lake Weerona was once a gold-digging site in Bendigo. However, 1878 saw the transformation of the mine into one of the loveliest places in the city.
As of today, a few hours in Lake Weerona is one of the best free things to do in Bendigo with children. Walking around the banks takes about 20 minutes, but these 20 minutes are the most relaxing ones of your trip. A nearby playground is where your children can play with freedom while you sip coffee in the cafe.
- Address: Bendigo VIC 3550, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Any time of the day
- Fun things to do: Leisurely walk around the shores of Lake Weerona, sip a coffee and let children run wild in the playground
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Mercure Bendigo Schaller
4. Relax at Rosalind Park
Expanding over 60 acres, Rosalind Park is the key to experiencing the beauty of Bendigo. This park is best to spend a few hours exploring as it features iconic monuments and tall trees.
Historically, the Dja Dja Wrung people used to live in the area where Rosalind Park now resides. The major reason was the freshwater lake found in the park.
In the 1850s, several proposals got made to turn this area into a park, and as a result, we got Rosalind Park. Notable attractions of the park include a fernery, a cast iron conservatory, gorgeous cascades, Neoclassical statuary, and more.
Besides seeing these, one of our favorite things to do in Bendigo’s Rosalind Park is to relax within the facility. You will certainly have quality time here.
- Address: 30 Gaol Rd, Bendigo VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Open 24 hours
- Fun things to do: Visit the iconic attractions of Rosalind Park mentioned above
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Allawah Bendigo
5. Amaze Yourself at Golden Dragon Museum
As mentioned, the Chinese community resided in Bendigo during the gold rush days of Bendigo. There is a beautiful Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo’s Chinatown which stores the Chinese culture within it. Opened in 1991, the museum features information about the Chinese community. It also tells about how these people have impacted the city.
Being the center of Chinese cultural activities, the Golden Dragon Museum has become a top tourist attraction. Primarily, it is because of Sun Loong, which annually appears in the Bendigo Easter Festival.
Sun Loong, the imperial dragon of Bendigo, resides in the Golden Dragon Museum.
On top of that, you cannot miss the stunning collection of Chinese artworks, ranging from ancient artifacts to theatrical costumes. The Buddhist Temple of the Goddess of Mercy is also a must-visit when you are here.
- Address: 1/11 Bridge St, Bendigo VIC 3550, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Mondays are closed.
- Fun things to do: See the ancient relics and enjoy the cultural activities of the Chinese community
- Entrance Fee: $12 for adults and $7 for children (below 14 years)
- Hotels Nearby: Barclay On View
6. Board the Bendigo Tramways
Want to know about an unusual way to travel around the city? If yes, then the Bendigo Tramways is the ideal option. Inaugurated in 1890, the Tramways have been popular among visitors.
One can board the tram throughout the CBD and travel across the famous tourist places. These include the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Lake Weerona, and many others.
Firstly, the train services start as early as 10. You should try to reach the facility by 9:30 to not miss the tram. Secondly, the tram only operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Hence, ensure that you are coming to board the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram at the right time.
Bendigo Tramways is one of the most unusual ways to travel around the city center.
Luckily, a monthly Blues Tram runs in the city, offering exciting things to do in Bendigo. One can attend live performances on the tram, making it a top tourist attraction. Don’t get worried, as several trams operate around the city for you to board them.
- Address: Central Deborah Tourist Mine H.a., Violet St, Bendigo VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Fun things to do: Travel around Bendigo in the exciting trams
- Tram Fee: $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for children
- Hotels Nearby: All Seasons Resort Hotel
Things to Do in Bendigo (7-12)
7. Watch the art of Pottery in Bendigo
Known for its pottery, Bendigo is a famous place to learn pottery skills and purchase some products. The oldest working pottery of Bendigo came into existence in 1858 and has experienced several ups and downs.
Visiting the Bendigo Pottery opens a wide array of options for tourists. For instance, eager ones can learn traditional skills and understand how potters produce beautiful antiques.
Bendigo is also known as the Ceramic Center of Victoria for all the right reasons. People around the world visit Bendigo to learn pottery skills and buy some jewelry, pots, and many more.
Fortunately, these skilled potters offer live demonstrations and even let the tourists take the charge. Finally, one can buy their produce, with options for traditional and modern artifacts. We highly recommend adding this activity to your list of fun things to do in Bendigo.
- Address: 146 Midland Hwy, Epsom VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Learn pottery skills and buy their product as souvenirs
- Entrance Fee: $8 per adult (group entry fee is $6 per person)
- Hotels Nearby: All Seasons Resort Hotel
8. Explore the Discovery Science and Technology Center
As kids, we all have been amazed by scientific experiments and studies. Bendigo has the Discovery Science and Technology Center to ignite the same feelings in tourists.
You can let your kids feel the same as they hover around, seeing over 100 intriguing exhibitions. From speaking in the echo tube to shooting ping-pong balls to vast distances, one can learn a lot from these activities.
The Planetarium in the facility will leave your kids amazed by its fascinating show!
The Planetarium of the Technology Center is sure to leave your kids awe-struck with its fascinating show about the solar system. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Bendigo because of its vertical slide in the Southern Hemisphere. With a height of seven meters, one will experience high adrenaline levels after the slide.
- Address: 7 Railway Pl, Bendigo VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Mondays are closed.
- Fun things to do: Inspire your kids with science knowledge, attend the planetarium shows, and enjoy the enormous seven-meter slide
- Entrance Fee: $16 for adults and $11.50 for children
- Hotels Nearby: Bendigo McIvor Motor Inn
9. Remember the Sacrifices at the Soldiers Memorial Institute Military Museum
The First World War was a horrific incident in human history that led to the killing of millions of people. Hence, a Memorial Hall got constructed in 1921 to remember those who served and died in WWI.
After a 2-year renovation, the museum reopened in 2018 with complete information about the war. Furthermore, the memorial has extended its collection and now keeps military antiques from every battle from Boer War to Iraq.
The Museum possesses collections, military antiques, and other remains of almost every conflict.
Tourists can roam around the place, seeing the photographs, books, medals, documents, and other antiques from WWI. Finally, we suggest you add this museum to your list of things to do in Bendigo as it educates you about the hardships during WWI.
- Address: 37-39 Pall Mall, Bendigo VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
- Fun things to do: See the photographs, books, medals, documents, and other antiques from WWI
- Entrance Fee: $9 for adults and $5 for children (12-17 years)
- Hotels Nearby: Allawah Bendigo
10. Visit the Bendigo Botanic Gardens
Bendigo Botanic Gardens is the first public garden opened in Bendigo. Located north of the city center, Botanic Gardens is one of the best places to sit and calmly relax in the beautiful environment.
As you move into the park, you will encounter a remnant of Bendigo Creek in the form of a lake. Fortunately, the lake houses several wetland species for tourists to see.
Like other Botanic Gardens, Bendigo also gets divided into beautiful sub-divisions. These include the Indigenous Garden, the National Canna, the Cottage Garden, and many more. If you and your kids have seen Alice in Wonderland, you will surely love the movie-inspired play area.
- Address: 557-559 Napier St, White Hills VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Calmly relax in the beautiful environment, visit the sub-gardens, and let your kids play in the Alice in Wonderland-inspired play area
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: All Seasons Resort Hotel
11. Sacred Heart Cathedral
Even though Bendigo is a small city, its gold reserves have increased their importance in Australia. In fact, the above statement also proves the existence of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo.
Rated as one of the best free things to do in Bendigo, Sacred Heart Cathedral is a must-visit place. Surprisingly, its construction began in 1897 but lasted over 70 years! The primary reason was the two world wars Australia had to face. The pioneer of Sacred Heart Cathedral was Henry Backhaus. It is because he provided his lifelong wealth for its construction.
Thousands of tourists visit Sacred Heart Cathedral to pay respects to God.
As of today, Sacred Heart Cathedral is a place for appreciation and peace. Thousands of tourists visit the church to pay homage to and admire its beauty. One of our favorite things to do in Bendigo Sacred Heart Cathedral is to spend time in peace and become one with God!
- Address: MacKenzie St, Bendigo VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Wednesdays to Saturdays between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM on Sundays
- Fun things to do: Spend time in peace and pay respect to God at Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Entrance Fee: Free, but we recommend a little donation
- Hotels Nearby: Allawah Bendigo
12. Celebrate the Bendigo Easter Festival
Easter Festival is a time of joy, happiness, and cultural activities in Bendigo. It’s also the time when you see Sun Loong, the imperial dragon of Bendigo, in action. Celebrated annually since 1871, the Easter Festival boasts fun things to do in Bendigo for tourists.
The world-renowned Sun Loong comes for the Easter Procession, the festival’s signature event, held on Easter Sunday. On this day, over a thousand people participate in the event and enjoy it to the fullest.
Fun Fact: The first time Easter Festival got organized was for a noble cause to raise funds for a hospital in 1871.
An Awakening of Dragon ceremony and the Torchlight Procession occurs before the event to wake up the imperial dragon from his deep sleep. Hence, if you are visiting Bendigo, ensure that you come here during the Easter month. This way, you won’t miss one of the best things to do in Bendigo.
- Address: Bendigo VIC, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Check the website to learn about upcoming events
- Fun things to do: Participate in Bendigo’s biggest festival of the year and learn about Chinese traditions
FAQs
Which is better, Bendigo or Ballarat?
Since they are the two richest goldfields in Victoria, Bendigo and Ballarat are both top tourist drawers. The better option depends on your tastes & preferences. For instance, Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is a live museum, attracting thousands. Contrarily, Bendigo’s Tramways offer an enjoyable time, which you won’t find in Ballarat.
When should I visit Bendigo?
The spring season in Bendigo lasts from September to November. This period is also the best time to visit Bendigo because of how pleasant the weather becomes. In Springs, you can experience the natural beauty of Bendigo thriving.
How long should my trip to Bendigo be?
If the city center is your target, even a day trip is enough to see all of Bendigo CBD. However, if you desire to explore all the attractions, about a three nights stay should suffice for this purpose.
Why is Bendigo popular among tourists?
Most tourists visit Bendigo to either learn pottery or understand the Victorian gold rush history. In fact, Bendigo is also referred to as the Ceramic Center of Victoria due to its famous pottery.
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